Texas Gov. Rick Perry indicted; real-time reactions (Friday)

AUSTIN – A Travis County grand jury indicted Texas Gov. Rick Perry on two counts Friday, accusing him of abusing his official capacity and coercing a public official. Reactions to the indictment began flooding inboxes and social media platforms immediately after the news came down late in the afternoon. Read statements from supporters and opponents to the likely presidential candidate here.

Gov. Rick Perry counsel Mary Anne Wiley: “The veto in question was made in accordance with the veto authority afforded to every governor under the Texas Constitution. We will continue to aggressively defend the governor’s lawful and constitutional action, and believe we will ultimately prevail.”

Democratic nominee for governor state Sen. Wendy Davis: “These allegations are troubling and I have confidence in our justice system to do its job.”

Battleground Texas: “Rick Perry’s indictment for abuse of official capacity and coercion is just the latest example of Republicans failing to work for Texans. Whether it’s Rick Perry’s indictment, Greg Abbott’s sweetheart deals for campaign contributors, or Dan Patrick’s blistering anti-immigrant rhetoric – the GOP has shown time and again they put politics and their friends ahead of Texas communities. That’s why Battleground Texas and our partners will continue to register voters, engage them in the upcoming election, and make sure all Texans know they have a clear alternative in Wendy Davis and Leticia Van de Putte.”

Outgoing Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst: “I’m disappointed with Travis County’s attempts to criminalize state politics. As I understand the facts, Governor Perry’s acts were consistent with what any House or Senate Finance Chair would do to get the attention of a state agency.”

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa: “Governor Rick Perry has brought dishonor to his office, his family and the state of Texas. Texans deserve to have leaders that stand up for what is right and work to help families across Texas. The indictment today shows a failure of Governor Perry to follow the law. This is systematic of a broader problem: Ken Paxton is facing a possible indictment and Attorney General Abbott has refused to rule on whether Governor Perry can use taxpayer dollars to cover his legal expenses. We call on Governor Perry to immediately step down from office. Texans deserve real leadership and this is unbecoming of our Governor.”

Texas Republican Party Chairman Steve Munisteri: “I think most reasonable people would come to the conclusion that it’s political in nature. I think most people would feel it’s not inappropriate to exercise a governor’s pergoative to not appropriate funds to a governmental authority that’s had a government official that’s conduced themselves in a way that gives the governor pause.” “He has about a year and a half to the Iowa caucuses, so certainly this needs to be resolved before that.” Most Republican voters “will feel as I do – that this was politically motivated. This is not about somebody charged with taking a bribe … misusing government property. This is about a governor who said he didn’t want to agree to appropriations for a public official who had admittedly committed a crime.” “I don’t think anybody will think twice about it. Obviously, though, it’ll impact him if it hasn’t gone to trial or resolved prior to the 2016 season kicking into high gear. I think from his point of view he wants the quickest trial as possible.”

Brian Wice, counsel to former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay: “I just think that this is the sequel to the criminal of politics, and sometimes people insist on manufacturing an illegal act out of a series of legal ones. I just think it’s unwholesome, unfair and it’s ultimately mischievous.” [read about DeLay's appeal to Criminal Court here]

Progress Texas Director Ed Espinosa: ”Rick Perry’s track record of insider conduct is shameful and reflects a disturbing pattern of Republican misconduct. Now Perry will have to get booked, have his mugshot taken and his fingerprints recorded. But questions remain. At any point, has Attorney General Greg Abbott – the state’s watchdog – advised or condoned these actions? Government is supposed to be for the people, but with these guys – it’s just for insiders.”

For the sake of Texas, Governor Perry should resign following his indictment on two criminal felony counts involving abuse of office. — Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) August 15, 2014

Two pieces of wisdom: 1/2 Proverbs 18:17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. — Griffin Perry (@griffperry) August 15, 2014

Southern Methodist University Professor Cal Jillson: “Depending on how long it takes, it may preclude a presidential run or merely hinder him. Either way, it’s a problem.”

Rand Paul Advisor and Former Iowa Republican Party Chairman Steve Grubbs: “It’s too early to tell. … If he’s able to convince people it’s politically motivated, he might be able to mitigate the damage.” (on whether indictment will hurt his chances for success in Iowa)